The ostiomeatal complex (OMC) is described as a functional unit that, when obstructed, leads to ipsilateral chronic rhinosinusitis. The key component of the OMC that acts as the final common drainage pathway for the maxillary, anterior ethmoid, and frontal sinuses is:

• A Sphenoethmoidal recess
• B Middle meatus and infundibulum ✓
• C Superior meatus
• D Hiatus semilunaris and bulla ethmoidalis only

Explanation

The ostiomeatal complex includes the middle meatus, uncinate process, hiatus semilunaris, infundibulum, ethmoid bulla, and ostia of the maxillary, anterior ethmoid, and frontal sinuses. The middle meatus and its infundibulum form the final common drainage pathway; obstruction here results in mucosal contact, impaired mucociliary clearance, and subsequent inflammation of all anterior sinuses. The sphenoethmoidal recess drains the posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses separately.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.